Satellite Communication and Spectrum Monitoring: An Overview

The satellite communication business is rapidly expanding to meet the growing need for dependable connections.

Furthermore, technical advancements in satellite components, downsizing of parts, lower launch costs, and the growing need for dependable connections in remote places are propelling the market growth.

In 2020, the global space industry was valued at more than $400 billion, with Earth observation, communications, remote sensing, satellite television, GNSS equipment, and satellite systems accounting for 70% of the total market share.

The need for spectrum has been increased as the whole space industry has grown. The current growth of the high-throughput satellite sector has boosted demand for satellite communication even more.

However, as the demand for satellite communication lines grows, so does the number of satellite signals and the amount of interference they cause, resulting in increased deterioration and poor operating efficiency.

As per BIS Research, the global satellite spectrum monitoring market is expected to rise at a 7.24 % annual pace from $2.55 billion in 2021 to $5.14 billion in 2031.

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Satellite Communication in Simple Terms

A satellite, in general, is a smaller body that orbits a bigger object in space. Communication, as we all know, is the interchange (sharing) of knowledge between two or multiple parties across any transmission medium.

In other words, this is nothing more than the transmission, reception, and processing of data.

Satellite communication is defined as communication between two ground stations using a satellite. Electromagnetic waves are employed as carrier signals in this type of communication.

These signals transmit data such as speech, audio, video, or any other type of data from the ground to space and vice versa.

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Need for Satellite Communication

The two types of propagation described here were previously employed for communication over a short distance.

·??????Ground wave propagation?is appropriate for frequencies up to 30 MHz. This form of communication utilizes the Earth's troposphere.

·??????Skywave propagation?is the method of communication that uses the Earth's ionosphere characteristics and has a bandwidth of 30–40 MHz.

In both ground wave and skywave propagation, the maximum hop or unit range is limited to 1500 kilometers.

This constraint is solved through satellite communication. Satellites are used in this manner to communicate across great distances that are much outside the line of sight.

As satellites orbit at a specific altitude above the Earth, satellite communication between any two ground stations is simple.

As a result, it overcomes the curvature of the Earth's curvature, which limits interactions between two different Earth stations.

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Satellite Communication: Advantages and Disadvantages

Let's have a look at the benefits and drawbacks of satellite communication.

The following are some of the advantages of satellite communication:

?????????Coverage area greater than terrestrial systems

?????????Every part of the globe may be accessed

?????????Transmission costs unaffected by coverage area

?????????Greater bandwidth and broadcasting options

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The following are the disadvantages of using satellite communication:

?????????Putting satellites into orbit is an expensive procedure.

?????????Satellite systems have a longer propagation delay than typical terrestrial systems.

?????????It's difficult to give repair services if a satellite system malfunctions.

?????????Frequency congestion is possible.

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Satellite Communication Applications

In our daily lives, satellite communication plays a critical role. The following are some of the uses for satellite communication:

?????????Voice communications and radio broadcasts

?????????Television broadcasting

?????????Internet applications, such as data transmission over the internet, navigation applications, internet browsing, and more

?????????Military applications and navigations

?????????Applications using remote sensing

?????????Monitoring and forecasting weather conditions

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Introduction to Spectrum Monitoring

With the fast growth of wireless communications, the demand for reliable networks that are largely free of interference is increasing.

The existence of unauthorized or unregistered signals that interfere with essential transmissions will reduce capacity.

The detection and removal of these types of interferences can be difficult since they might be periodic or present at changing frequencies throughout time.

Illegal or unlicensed interference signals will be easier to detect and remove with the help of a spectrum monitoring system. Problem signals can be recognized as they arise in real-time by continuously monitoring the spectrum.

Unwanted signal activity patterns can also be investigated, making it easier to identify and find the source of the interference.

Spectrum monitoring is used to quantify spectrum occupancy in addition to intrusion detection.

Using cognitive radio methods, the spectrum may be repurposed for new uses or multiplexed with other signals. Spectrum monitoring can also be used to ensure that government restrictions are followed.

All law enforcement, firefighting, air traffic control, military, and emergency services personnel must have unrestricted access to communications. Spectrum monitoring is frequently used to enforce compliance with spectrum rules.

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Conclusion?

Adopting a spectrum monitoring and interference detection system as part of the ground station has become critical for improving satellite service performance and increasing income for satellite communication companies.

As a result, numerous SATCOM (satellite communication) operators are exhibiting a strong interest in technology that can identify such abnormalities automatically and in real-time as the first step toward interference mitigation and suppression.

The key players in the industry have been developing various solutions that can help monitor the spectrum and detect and mitigate the disruption caused due to deliberate interference or accidental interference.

This will help to stabilize high-speed internet services to the global population, delivered through mega-constellations of satellites.

Curious about which innovative technology is gaining traction in your industry? BIS Research provides the most up-to-date market research and studies. Connect with us at?[email protected]?to learn more.